Day 2 at the Eastbourne International kicks off with some fantastic matches as the remainder of the first-round encounters will conclude in addition to several selected second round matches. A day full of quality matches, these are the three must-watch matches today.
Margarita Gasparyan vs Karolina Pliskova
#MargaritaGasparyan claimed an impressive 6-3, 6-3 win over Katerina Siniakova in the opening round yesterday, recovering from an early 0-3 15-40 deficit to turn the tables and seal the deal. In straight sets. The Russian seems to be enjoying grass thus far — beating Viktoria Kuzmova in ‘s-Hertogenbosch and stunned Elina Svitolina in Birmingham last week.
She faces her biggest test so far, and second seed #KarolinaPliskova will be looking to reproduce her magic in Eastbourne once again. A former champion back in 2017 and a finalist in 2016, Pliskova always performed well at this tournament. Off a disappointing three-set loss to her twin sister Kristyna last week, Pliskova will definitely hope for a deep run here to gain momentum heading into Wimbledon.
Gasparyan and Pliskova met only once previously — at the 2016 Qatar Total Open. The Russian one-handed backhand star triumphed 6-1, 6-1 in just 49 minutes as the Czech failed to conquer her lower-ranked opponent. The one-handed backhand will be a lethal weapon on grass especially with the fast bounces, but Pliskova should be able to grab the win in her first match of the week.
Prediction: Ka.Pliskova d. Gasparyan in three sets
Camila Giorgi vs Hsieh Su-wei
This could well be the best first-round match-up of the tournament with the huge contrast in playing styles being an intriguing clash.
#CamilaGiorgi returns to the match courts for the first time since March after being inactive for months due to an unknown injury but returns onto her favourite surface, grass, to play her first match in three months. The Italian was a Wimbledon quarterfinalist last year and is in desperate need of rhythm heading to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, elsewise a huge ranking dip would ensue.
#HsiehSuwei continues to play her crafty tennis and have fun on the court as she claimed the doubles title in Birmingham last week alongside Strycova. Hsieh also beat world number 10 Aryna Sabalenka in the opening round of the Nature Valley Classic and proved her credentials on grass with a win over top-ranked Simona Halep at Wimbledon last year.
Giorgi, lacking in match practice, will come into this encounter as the slight underdog although there is the uncertainty factor regarding the Italian’s quality of play currently. Hsieh, who has been consistent this year, should still claim the win although she has barely arrived in Eastbourne for 24 hours. The winner will face Halep next.
Prediction: Hsieh d. Giorgi in straight sets
Kirsten Flipkens vs Caroline Wozniacki
#CarolineWozniacki is the defending champion here in Eastbourne and should come into the tournament with some nice memories having saved a match point against Kerber en route her victory last year. Looking to replicate her success, the Dane seems to be in a good mood especially after her wedding with fiance David Lee although she has been in poor form recently. Her last win came at the start of April although she sustained a leg injury in the midst.
#KirstenFlipkens has always been a huge threat on grass. A former Wimbledon semifinalist back in 2013, the Belgian will look to end Wozniacki’s title defence campaign earlier than expected. She reached the quarterfinals of the Libema Open a fortnight ago and still possesses the special touch which earned her the world number 13 ranking six years ago.
This will be a very tricky test for Wozniacki, who definitely lacks in match practice, and a player of Flipkens’ calibre should never be underestimated. This match is definitely on the upset alert and do not be surprised if the Belgian can steal a set off the 11th seed.
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